Does the World Cup Get the Economic Ball Rolling?

Here’s an update to an analysis I first did several years ago…Does the World Cup Get the Economic Ball Rolling? – Center for American Progress
Does the World Cup Get the Economic Ball Rolling?
Assessing the Impact of the World Cup of Soccer on Host Countries’ Economies
By John S. Irons
June 7, 2006
The Germans are hoping for a successful run this summer in the World Cup — and not just inside the stadium. It is the everlasting hope of countries that host major sporting events that the games will bring about not only sporting glory but also an economic boom. Organizers inevitably claim that hosting a major event will lead to filled hotels, packed restaurants, new construction projects, and a general boost to the economy.
Past experience, however, shows that hosting the World Cup may not be the economic Holy Grail organizers often predict — at least not immediately. The historic experiences of past hosts show that countries are about as likely to see lower economic growth in the World Cup year as they are to see higher growth. In the years immediately following the World Cup, however, the economies of host countries have performed better on average.More…